CHAPTER XVI. 



Diseases. Parasites and Remedies 



With good, wholesome food, proper housing and 

 care, very little disease is usually encountered. The 

 best preventives of diseases, as cited in our Bulletin 

 No. 177, published by the United States Department of 

 Agriculture, are : ( i ) A dry house, free from drafts ; 

 (2) untainted grains; (3) pure water; (4) regular- 

 ity of feeding; and (5) cleanliness. 



Going light — ^This disease is characterized by mop- 

 ing and drooping of the bird, which, when examined, 

 will usually be found to be thin in the flesh. Diarrhea 

 is frequently the first symptom, which may be checked 

 by a dose of sweet fern tea. If the discharge is slimy 

 give a dropperful of cod liver oil and creosote every 

 night and morning until improvement is noticed. This 

 remedy is prepared by mixing i dram of creosote 

 with 2 ounces of cod liver oil. By a dropper is 

 meant the little instrument which is used in filling 

 fountain pens, and which is very convenient to use 

 in giving drops or small doses. 



If the disease has so far progressed that the bird 

 breathes heavily or gasps for breath, use what some 

 have designated as the "hatchet" remedy, that is, kill 

 the bird. This disease usually manifests itself only 

 during the molting season, and in all cases the tail 

 quills should be plucked. 



We think the disease is often due to unsound grain 

 or permitting feed to lie on the ground and sour. In 

 light attacks three drops of compound tincture of gen- 

 tian is sometimes sufficient to effect a cure, if the tail 



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